Tater Kegs is a U.S.-based premium appetizer brand that specializes in producing jumbo stuffed potato-based snacks, offering a bold and flavorful twist on traditional tater tots. Operating out of Shakopee, Minnesota, and distributed by Stone Gate Foods, Tater Kegs has carved a unique niche within the foodservice and hospitality sectors, becoming a go-to name for indulgent, high-margin frozen appetizers designed for restaurants, bars, stadiums, and catering venues.
Company Overview
Launched to redefine the potential of the humble potato appetizer, Tater Kegs fuses creativity and culinary indulgence by combining classic loaded potato ingredients into a large, handheld form factor. The brand is known for its "jumbo stuffed" format—larger than a traditional tater tot and densely filled with cheeses, proteins, and spices. Tater Kegs products are fully prepared, frozen, and ready-to-cook, offering high consistency, low labor, and maximum versatility for busy foodservice operators.
The brand is a subsidiary of Stone Gate Foods, a Minnesota-based manufacturer with expertise in premium frozen and prepared foods.
Core Business
Tater Kegs operates within the frozen appetizer and snack segment, manufacturing high-quality, chef-inspired potato-based products that cater to consumers seeking bold flavors, comfort food experiences, and shareable menu items. Its products are designed for:
Restaurants and Gastropubs
Bars and Breweries
Catering and Events
Institutional Foodservice
Each SKU is formulated for high performance across deep-frying, baking, and air frying applications.
Product Portfolio
Signature Stuffed Tater Kegs
Bacon Cheddar Chive – Classic flavor profile with applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives
Buffalo Chicken – Shredded buffalo chicken and cheese with a spicy kick
Breakfast Skillet – Sausage, egg, cheese, and potato for brunch and late-night menus
Bacon Jalapeño – Creamy cheddar with jalapeños and bacon for heat lovers
Reuben – A unique blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island seasoning
Crab Feast – Premium lump crab meat and Old Bay®-inspired seasoning
Chorizo Burrito – Latin-inspired flavors with spiced chorizo, black beans, and pepper jack
Cheese Bomb – Fully vegetarian, loaded with cheddar and mozzarella for melty indulgence
Each keg is approximately 1.5 oz, offering a satisfying bite with fewer units per serving—perfect for appetizers, small plates, and shareable menus.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Tater Kegs differentiates itself through:
Jumbo size: Larger than standard tots, creating a premium perception and a better value per bite
High flavor density: Stuffed with real, recognizable ingredients
Labor-saving format: Fully frozen and pre-formed, ready for deep fryer or oven
High profit margin: Popular as both a stand-alone appetizer and a side upgrade
Menu versatility: Can be served solo, with dips, or as a topper (e.g., on nachos, burgers)
Tater Kegs meets the demand for comfort food with elevated, gourmet flavors that stand out on any menu.
Market Reach and Industry Presence
Tater Kegs has a strong presence in the U.S. foodservice distribution network, available through national and regional foodservice suppliers. The product is featured in:
Bars and breweries across the Midwest and South
Stadiums and sports venues
Multi-unit restaurant concepts and fast-casual chains
Hotel kitchens and hospitality events
The frozen potato snacks and appetizers category in the U.S. exceeded $2.6 billion in annual sales in 2023, with loaded and flavored formats driving significant year-over-year growth. Tater Kegs capitalizes on this trend by providing unique value in both flavor and format.
Distribution and Logistics
Pack size: Typically sold in bulk packs of 106 units per case (1.5 oz per piece)
Frozen logistics: Shipped via frozen LTL or full-pallet delivery through partnered distributors
Storage: 12–18 month shelf life in standard freezer conditions
Tater Kegs is widely available in Sysco, US Foods, Performance Food Group, and other major foodservice networks.
Certifications and Quality Standards
USDA-Inspected Production Facility
SQF-Certified (Safe Quality Food Program)
Fully Cooked and Frozen for Food Safety and Ease
No artificial preservatives or fillers
Stone Gate Foods ensures consistent quality control and flavor testing in its Minnesota production facility.
Capabilities
Private label and co-branded development
New flavor ideation and R&D services
POS and marketing support for operators
Nutritional customization for school and institutional buyers
Tater Kegs is also exploring expansion into club stores and retail CPG, adapting the format for home use.
Marketing and Brand Engagement
The brand engages consumers and operators through:
Facebook and Instagram promotion
Product demo videos and YouTube reviews
Foodservice expos and sampling events
POS collateral and merchandising kits
Its bold branding and craveable imagery make Tater Kegs a social media-friendly item, often highlighted in user-generated content from restaurants.
Customer Feedback
Operators praise Tater Kegs for their:
Ease of preparation
Portion control
High customer satisfaction
Strong upsell potential as an add-on or premium side
Customers often describe Tater Kegs as “next-level tater tots” with “bar-food energy” that appeals across all demographics, especially Millennials and Gen Z.
Major Achievements
Sold in thousands of U.S. restaurants and taprooms
Expanded SKUs from 3 to 8 core flavors since brand inception
Recognized as a Top Frozen Appetizer to Watch by FSR Magazine (2022)
Successfully introduced Reuben and Crab Feast SKUs as seasonal LTOs turned permanent due to demand
Tater Kegs continues to elevate comfort food by delivering a crave-worthy, chef-inspired product that blends innovation, simplicity, and indulgence into every bite.
